Bareboat Yacht Charters Blog

If you’re planning a Virgin Islands bareboat charter, new moorings await you – and they are FREE!

A dozen sand screw-style moorings have been installed in Christmas Cove, off St. Thomas, USVI. An additional 10 moorings will be installed next year.

Caribbeanyacht charter enthusiasts have long known about this great anchorage. A holiday raft-up in the mid 1950′s earned the scenic bay at Great St. James Island, off St. Thomas, the name, “Christmas Cove.” It has become one of the most popular destinations in the U.S Virgin Islands for bareboat charter yachts, as well as local cruisers looking for an overnight anchorage.

If you are, you are probably contemplating packing a small rod and reel in your duffle bag. After all, catching your own dinner is one of the true delights of a sail bareboat adventure.

Before you pack your fishing gear, take note – if caught fishing without a fishing licensein the British Virgin Islands, you will be subject to heavy fines, and your fishing equipment (and the sail yacht bareboat you have rented) may be confiscated by authorities.

It is this simple: It is a legal requirement that anyone dropping a hook and line in the BVIwaters MUST have a fishing license.

Each person fishing must have a recreational fishing license, except persons age 18 and under.

For a $10 fee, Last Stop Sports (LSS) in Tortola, BVI can process the license application for Caribbean yacht charter customers and their guests before arrival. Clients must send all required documents to LSS at least one week in advance.

For last minute bookings, starting on a weekend, the deadline is Thursday at 9a.m.

The license is valid for 1 month and costs $45.

A photocopy of a valid photo ID must accompany the application.

It is not necessary to rent fishing gear from LSS – they can still process the licensing request, and they will have the licenses available for pickup upon arrival at the yacht fleet base in the British Virgin Islands.

Licenses can also be obtained directly from the Department ofConservation and Fisheries Administration building in Road Town, Tortola, BVI. The government office closes early on Friday afternoons and doesn’t reopen until Monday morning. It is closed weekend and public holidays. Call the Fisheries Division at 284 494-3429 for more information.

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Sometimes it is more enjoyable to sit back and leave the sailing to someone else. If you’re ready to upgrade to a crewed Caribbean yacht charter vacation, click here to contact SailAway Yacht Charter Consultants – yacht charter professionals since 1976.